Dartmouth Golf Club

Only thirteen players qualified for the Shareholders Trophy which was played for last Wednesday writes John Garner.

For a long time the course at Dartmouth has been playing shorter than usual due to the hard ground putting lots of run on the ball.

However, after re­cent rain the fairways have become softer which, coupled with a keen north-east wind, meant conditions were more like we're used to at this time of year.

For most of the year vice-captain Kevin Eighteen has been struggling with his game, but on Wednes­day it all came together at the right moment and he won the Trophy with a net 70.

In second was Paul Dunkerley 71, third John Garner 73, fourth Andy Birss 74, fifth Ian Metchette 75.

Andy Birss was the only one to get a two and that was on the third.

The monthly stableford was played on Saturday and once again Dave Nicholls takes the honours with 39.

In second came Si­mon Knight 38, third Ed Mitchell 37, fourth Joe Nicholls 36 and fifth Roger Mawson 35.

John Wood had a moment we can all relate to on the eighth; he was just short for two but missed the chip for an eagle.

He then missed the putt for a birdie, then missed the putt for his par and then the red mist came down and his round was in tatters. He was seen smiling about it afterwards at the bar, oh what a lovely game it is...

While that was being played the final of the summer single knockout was under way between Lea Humph­ries and Solley Metch­ette, both players have been playing well all year and this final was anyone's call.

Played over 36 holes, it's physically draining and mentally exhausting. Lea had to give Solley 20 shots overall and was three down twice, but managed to get it back and didn't manage to get ahead until the 12th hole second time round, where he went one up.

Solley had a shot on 14 and 15, but Lea managed to win them both, taking him to three up with three to play.

Solley won the 16th but Lea sank a 12ft putt on the 17th to win. A tight game between two good players left them both drained, but Lea was so impressed with Solley's attitude in defeat that he phoned his Dad to congratulate him and to say that he should be very proud of his son.

Thats what golf can do too.